Pacific storm fizzles to drizzle

A beautifully ugly day

The Pacific storm that moved ashore early Saturday arrived later than forecast and has generally been less powerful than anticipated, dropping one-quarter inch or less of rain in most areas of San Diego County, according to figures current through 11 a.m. Oceanside was an exception along the coast, receiving 0.34''. A new storm could drop roughly as much rain on Monday.

There are pockets of fog in some areas. But the sun also is poking through along the coast. The winds have gusted more than 30 mph across the Cuyamaca and Laguna mountains. But they haven't reached 60 mph, as forecast by the National Weather Service. The storm essentially faded as it sank south.

Many will greet the latest forecast with happiness. But we do need the rain. Since July 1, San Diego's Lindbergh Field has recorded 4.61'' of precipitation, which is a smidge above average. But the airport has only recorded 0.04'' this month, which is 1.19'' below average. The lack of precipitation could be tied to the La Nina in the eastern Pacific. The period climate change usually -- usually -- results in below average rainfall. But conditions vary. Weather Service forecaster Phil Gonsalves notes that some La Ninas contribute to reduce rainfall while others are the dominant factor. At this point, says Gonsalves, the La Nina only appears to be contributing to the dryness.